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ANSES recently conducted a scientific expert appraisal on prostate cancer associated with occupational exposure to pesticides, with a focus on chlordecone, in view of the specific situation in the French Caribbean. This is the Agency's first report for its new expert appraisal mission on the recognition of occupational diseases. It highlights the great diversity of occupational situations involving exposure to pesticides in France, in both the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. The expert appraisal concluded that there was a probable causal relationship between the risk of prostate cancer and exposure to pesticides including chlordecone. The scientific evidence developed in this expert appraisal provides grounds for the creation of an occupational disease list in the agricultural and general social security schemes.

When carrying out its health risk assessment mission, ANSES relies on groups of independent experts from various scientific fields. To better evaluate certain health issues, the Agency can be required to take socio-economic aspects into consideration at various stages of its risk assessments. To broaden its expert assessment capacities in this area, ANSES has decided to create a new Expert Committee dedicated to socio-economic analysis and is issuing a call for applications to that end.

ANSES has launched the ChlorExpo study in Guadeloupe and Martinique. Its aim is to obtain a more accurate picture of the population's level of dietary exposure to chlordecone, guided by the latest knowledge on the risks of exposure to this chemical contaminant. In order to take better account of local food procurement, preparation and cooking practices, ANSES is carrying out a scientific survey among residents this summer. The findings will be used to help limit the population's exposure, without requiring them to abandon local products or production and distribution methods.

Used in gardens and homes or as antiparasitic products for humans and pets, pesticides expose the public to health risks that need to be controlled. In order to better understand the practices and uses of pesticides in the French overseas territories, ANSES conducted the Pesti'home study. Following its first report in October 2019 focusing on metropolitan France, today it is publishing the findings of the survey carried out among 608 households in the French Caribbean and on Reunion Island.